Golden Eagle SMG-5 SD6 AEG Submachine Gun Replica

If you have your eye on the stealthiest SMG-5 out there but you don't want the weight or price of a full metal option, this is the way to go! The Golden Eagle SMG-5 SD6 AEG is a TM clone design constructed from high density polymer with an aluminium suppressor up front, completing the SD6 look.

The internals are based around the version 2 gearbox but inside we are treated to 7mm ball bearing bushings for a smoother gearbox sound and a slightly increased rate of fire. A 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel is also present, giving upgrade seekers a head start and improving accuracy potential. If you want a cheap and cheerful SMG with a few pre-upgraded parts thrown in, you can't as for better (or cheaper)!

Starting at the tip we can find the iconic SD series suppressor which mounts to the SMG-5 SD6’s proprietary locking mechanism just ahead of the handguard. The Golden Eagle SMG-5 SD6 does not have a threaded barrel so unfortunately a tracer unit cannot be mounted but tracer units are a bit indiscrete for this type of platform which we think is far better suited to its integral suppressor.

As we reach the front of the handguard we come to the front iron sight which is a flat blade protected by a protective ring built into the alloy front assembly. The protective ring prevents any accidental drops, bumps or scrapes from damaging the delicate front post and rendering your sights useless. On the left side of the front sight assembly, we have the first of the several sling points on this SMG, allowing for plenty of sling options in a variety of configurations. Running back to the receiver along the top of the SMG we have what is known as the “cocking tube” which is a polymer tube within which the cocking handle rides.

The cocking handle can be pulled back and locked up into the “safety notch”, though we do not recommend giving it the "HK slap" as this will in all likelihood damage the cocking tube or handle. Below the cocking tube is the handguard of the SMG-5 SD6 which is ribbed for enhanced grip in all weather conditions and matches the real thing perfectly. The handguard also serves to reduce felt heat through the massive suppressor of the real thing which runs all the way back to the chamber, and is built as part of the barrel itself.

The handguard is held on by two pins, one on each side in the centre of the handguard. With these pins removed, you can slide the handguard off towards the front and access the battery compartment of the SMG-5 SD6. Inside you will find a mini-Tamiya battery connector to which you mount your chosen battery. For the SMG-5 SD6, we recommend a 7.4V 1300 mAh LiPo battery in nunchuck configuration for easy installation and great performance. You may be able to fit a bigger battery inside but in all likelihood, you will be limited to the nunchuck configuration as the barrel passes through the centre of the battery compartment.

On the left side of the handguard, there is a small cutout through which the adjustable HOP-up can be accessed, though we find it easier to adjust the HOP-up with the handguard removed. The HOP-up allows the SMG-5 SD6 to be tuned for different weights of ammo and longer range, looking for the flattest possible trajectory. The HOP-up unit itself is based on the Tokyo Marui design, and is compatible with aftermarket barrels, HOP-up rubbers and HOP-up nubs.

Moving rearwards we arrive at the receiver which follows the iconic SMG-5 format perfectly. The receiver is comprised of two parts, the section known as the “upper receiver” and the lower section, known as the “trigger pack”. The fire selector is present on either side of the trigger pack and offers 3 modes of fire; safe, semi-automatic and fully automatic, with a 45-degree throw between fire modes. Each fire mode is indicated with the ever recognisable red and white bullet pictograms which first appeared on the “Navy” style SMG-5 trigger pack and now make their way onto most modern platforms in one form or another. Safe is indicated with a crossed-out projectile in white, semi with a single projectile in red and full auto is denoted with several red projectiles.

The grip itself is built into the trigger pack and is an ergonomic design with an enlarged trigger guard built in. This grip has been the subject of a lot of praise, and the shape and style match more modern platforms such as the AR36 and is widely credited with being the inspiration behind the highly popular MOE and MIAD grips for the M4/AR15. The trigger guard allows plenty of space for gloved shooters, and the trigger is a curved design matching the real SMG perfectly.

The magazine release is also ambidextrous, being a paddle-style release positioned just ahead of the trigger guard, making the SMG-5 SD6 a fine choice for right or left-handed shooters. There is also a secondary magazine release over on the right side, on the magazine well in a similar position to that of the M4/AR-15. This gives you the option of two different magazine release styles, though we prefer the ambidextrous paddle release as the AR style release is a bit further from the grip than on an M4 and can be harder to reach for those with smaller hands.

Running along either side of the receiver we can see a groove which is the track in which the sliding stock indexes, serving both to keep the stock tight into the weapon when retracted, reinforce the receiver and provide tracks for the bolt carrier to move along on the inside of the real thing. At the top, we have a pair of lugs which allow for an SMG-5/G3 claw optics mount to be added if you want to mount a red dot sight or scope to the SMG-5 SD6. These lugs are compatible with both low profile and high profile options.

The rear iron sight is located at the back of the receiver and is a rotary drum diopter-style sight, just like the real thing. The sight offers 4 different apertures for aiming, with the wider apertures being ideal for low-light situations and full auto fire, and the finer apertures are great for long-range shots and semi-automatic fire. Changing apertures is easy in any weather conditions thanks to the knurling at the top of the drum, simply turn the sight to the chosen position and it will lock into place under spring tension.

The stock of the SMG-5 SD6 is the sliding type with multiple positions of adjustment, matching the stock issued with the SD6 variant of the SMG-5. The stock has 3 positions of adjustment, one fully extended, one in the middle and then the storage position. The butt plate features pyramidal texture to provide extra grip for body armour-wearing users, meaning the stock won't slip off your shoulder at an inopportune moment. Adjusting the stock simply requires the lever at the end of the stock base to be pressed and the stock extended out to the desired position.

On the inside, the Golden Eagle SMG-5 SD6 is equipped with a version 2 gearbox with an alloy shell and steel gears running on 7mm ball-bearing bushings for reduced friction and a smoother gearbox report. Also present inside is a 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel, improving accuracy potential and raising FPS with the same spring thanks to improvements in air seal. All of the internals are Tokyo Marui spec, meaning there are plenty of aftermarket upgrade options available for the performance seekers!

If a light and tight SMG is on your to-buy list, the Golden Eagle SMG-5 SD6 AEG is a fine choice, both for the budget-minded and those looking to put money into upgrades and accessories. Using high density polymer instead of cheap, shiny ABS gives this polymer SMG the edge over its rivals in build quality, and the presence of pre-upgraded parts makes the deal all the sweeter!

Features

• High density polymer construction
• 6.03mm Tightbore inner barrel - Improved accuracy potential
• Aluminium integral suppressor - Propriatory attachment interface
• Ribbed handguard - Extra grippy for wet weather use
• Only 1.9KG - Super light, great for new skirmishers or as a backup
• Ambidextrous magazine release - Centrally positioned in front of the trigger guard
• Ambidextrous fire selector switch - Great for left or right-handed shooters
• 3 Modes of fire: SAFE - SEMI - AUTO, 45-degree throw between each mode
• Secondary M4/AR-15 style mag release - On the right side, push button release
• Ergonomic pistol grip - Very comfortable for a wide variety of hand sizes
• Enlarged trigger guard - Easy access to the trigger, even when wearing thick gloves
• Sling points front and rear - Front point on the front sight assembly, rear point on the receiver
• 3-Position sliding stock - Adjust to suit your body type and environment
• Front wired - Mini-Tamiya connector - Recommended battery: 7.4V 1300mAh LiPo in nunchuck config
• Compatible with SMG-5 AEG magazines - Spares are plentiful!

Package Includes

• Golden Eagle SMG-5 SD6 AEG Submachine Gun Replica
• 200rnd High-capacity magazine
• User manual